A biopsy removes tissue for laboratory examination and is the only way to confirm most cancers. An incisional biopsy takes a piece of a lump, and an excisional biopsy removes the whole lump. A needle or core biopsy takes small cores through the skin, often guided by ultrasound or CT.

A sentinel node biopsy locates and removes the first lymph nodes draining a tumour, using a tracer dye or a radioactive marker. At a surgical hospital in Mumbai such as Apex, the biopsy method is chosen with the surgeon, radiologist and pathologist together.

How the Procedure Can Help

It confirms the diagnosis, tumour type and grade, and shows whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

Risks and Considerations

Bleeding, bruising and infection can occur. A sample may sometimes be inconclusive, and a repeat biopsy may be required. Swelling, fever or increasing pain afterwards needs review.